Praetorian Rising, стр. 56

bizarre thing to do within the comfort of his own home; if this beast of a man and leader of the compound was uneasy, that wasn't a good sign. "Obviously we all know what's headed our way because of a rat in the compound."

"Do the Asperians here know about the leak?" Camille asked her whispered tone poignant and direct. "Are they getting prepared for the Equestrian attack?"

Phillip shook his head. "No—they'll only be notified when absolutely necessary."

"They don't know?" Camille asked, her mouth hanging open in shock. The General didn't seem the type to omit truths from anyone. "That seems a bit unorthodox. Why the secrecy?"

"That information is classified," Phillip replied, his voice sharp and filled with authority. "It's for their protection and yours."

Camille was sure this was Vesyon's doing—and it meant there was more to the story than what he'd told her.

"I would never pretend to understand the ways of a Praetorian, and I'd hope you could do the same in regard to my responsibilities." Phillip kept his eyes on Camille's, and a sense of uneasiness bloomed in his irises. "I can see why Vesyon believes you to be different, but to the villagers here you're just another Rogue soldier who will leave when the time comes. I prefer that their perception of you remains that way. I'm a friend of Vesyon's, and therefore a friend of all Praetorians—but please understand that we, for the moment, must continue to believe Aspera is no place for a Praetorian anymore."

She did understand then, with crystal clarity. Vesyon was a captain, Theo, a soldier. Even in the safety of Romeo Village, they weren't Praetorians, at least not openly. She'd need to play along as well.

"I'm surprised you were able to stay in one place for so long without being noticed for what you are," Phillip said, his eyes squinted to see past the illusion of her Asperian front. He appeared satisfied with her straight spine and soldier’s clothing—having only clean Romeo garb to wear—but his eyes narrowed as he assessed her face and hair. He not only seemed perturbed by the glowing radiance of her auburn locks, but appeared to detest its existence, full and flowing in wild waves down her back. "Your secrets will not be your own for long, here or anywhere else, I'm afraid. You, my dear, have quite the target on your back with the Equestrian army on their way, and unless you're willing to face your demons, you'll always be running from them."

"You think I should leave?" Camille snapped much more harshly than she'd intended.

Phillip's expression didn't change, though his eyes softened slightly. "No, no. Leaving is not the option; I meant only to find a way to blend in with your fellow Asperians. Peter is a known rebel against the crown, but also considered a heathen for his beliefs. Despite what some say, I, too, believe in the old ways, but prefer this knowledge to remain private. Following in the practice of the holy King Faeder isn't just a belief within Aspera, but a law—one that must be followed to the letter."

Nodding in understanding, Camille bit her lower lip, keeping her tongue from spilling the words sliding around her mouth. Peter wasn't the only one she knew that followed the teaching of Ma'Nada. For the first time, Camille saw how dangerous it was to admit one's belief if it challenged the Munera. Phillip didn't just appear serious in stature, his expression said it all. There was fear wrapped around his beliefs having spent a lifetime in the spotlight of his peers.

"I say this as a warning—be careful who you trust," Phillip continued. "Once word gets out of who you are, and who you are connected to, there aren't many who'll be your friend."

"Thank you for your concern, General," Camille responded tightly.

Phillip bobbed his head up and down. "I hope Vesyon knows what he was doingbringing you here." After finishing his last bit of eggs and downing the dregs of his tea, the General stood with his tray and left, walking toward the kitchens as though he'd never joined them to begin with.

"Don't mind his brusque nature, Camille," Charlie said, buttering a piece of toast and taking a hefty bite before placing it on Theo's plate. "He worries the most out of all of us, but it's only because he cares so much. Sometimes he gets a little carried away with his sense of responsibilities."

"He isn't wrong to worry. It's my fault the High King is sending his troops here in the first place," Camille said quietly, scanning the Asperians seated nearby. All these innocent men, women, and children could be in danger because of her. The weight of this understanding pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.

"Cam, don't think like that. Vesyon's no amateur; if he brought you here, it's for a good reason," Theo said with finality. "Let's head up top. Vee wants to make sure you can handle yourself, and we need to take advantage of the daylight while we can."

"Mind if I tag along?" Charlie asked politely, lifting her wide golden eyes in Theo's direction.

Theo quirked an eyebrow in Camille's direction, the jagged scar running down the side of his face twitching pink against his otherwise unmarred skin. The blatant pass of Charlie's question into Camille's court made her want to slap him across the face. He could tell Charlie no and make it easy on Camille, but he didn't. His polite smile and casual shrug was a sign of his desire to make Camille squirm. "Not a bad idea," he said, adding a heaping dose of casual sweetness to his words. "I'd love for you to join—if it's alright with Camille."

Camille sighed; she couldn't very well say no to the bubbliest girl in all Aspera and not appear like a jealous brat. "I guess," Camille conceded as she grabbed her tray and headed toward the dish receptacle at the end of the hall. "It's not like I care either way."

Unfortunately,